Bushra Griffith
Cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be melted, shredded, or sliced and added to almost anything to elevate a dish. Some classic cheese-based dinners include grilled cheese, mac and cheese, and cheese fondue. Cheese is also a great addition to many meals, such as pizza, pasta, and salads. For a more indulgent option, cheese can be baked into potatoes or used in a fondue with meat and bread. When it comes to meat, cheese is a perfect pairing, offering a protein-filled combo that satisfies cravings. Whether it's a sharp cheddar, a creamy brie, or a salty feta, cheese is a delicious ingredient that can be used in many ways to create comforting and indulgent meals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of meal | Dinner, side dish, appetizer, salad |
| Type of cheese | Cheddar, Gruyère, Raclette, Fontina, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Feta, Halloumi, Burrata, Buffalo Mozzarella, Cottage Cheese, Cream Cheese, Colby, Camembert |
| Type of dish | Pasta, pie, soup, sandwich, stir-fry, salad, pizza, bread, pastry, risotto, chilli, casserole, croquettes, cornbread, corn pancakes |
| Other ingredients | Meat, chicken, beef, potatoes, rice, broccoli, bread, crackers, fruit, vegetables, cream, bacon, ham, eggs, beans, mayo, sour cream, guacamole, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, chilli, honey, thyme, sesame, poppy seeds, dried onion flakes, sea salt |
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What You'll Learn
Salads with cheese
Salads and cheese are a classic combination, with a wide variety of options to choose from. A Greek salad, for instance, is a refreshing and flavourful option, typically consisting of sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. The salty, briny flavour of Kalamata olives goes well with the feta and crisp veggies. Adding a handful of mint leaves gives the salad a fresh finishing touch.
Another option is a Loaded Italian Salad, which has an array of fresh vegetables, three types of cheese, and a homemade white balsamic vinaigrette, all on a bed of mixed greens. This salad is light, fresh, and satisfying. One of the three cheeses used in this salad is Gorgonzola, which pairs well with the salad's bacon.
You can also create your own cheese salad by adding your favourite cheese to a mix of fresh vegetables and a bed of leafy greens. A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, mustard, salt, and pepper can be used to dress the salad.
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Cheese and meat
Meat and cheese is a protein-filled combination that can be a delicious meal. Here are some ideas for dinners that combine meat and cheese:
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Meat
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish, but they can be transformed into a hearty main course with the addition of cheese and meat. One option is to cook beef and beans in a savoury sauce, then top them with mashed potatoes and gooey cheese before baking. Alternatively, you can make loaded mashed potatoes with cauliflower florets loaded with mozzarella, sour cream, mayo, bacon bits, and cheddar cheese.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Meat
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a comfort food staple, but they can be taken to the next level by adding meat. For a simple option, try a grilled cheese sandwich with sharp cheddar and crispy bacon. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can make a grilled cheese sandwich with sliced steak, caramelised onions, and mushrooms.
Macaroni and Cheese with Meat
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be made even heartier by adding meat. You can make a simple version with just macaroni, cheese, and sliced ham. For a more indulgent option, try a recipe that includes multiple cheeses, such as fontina for a gooey texture and cheddar for a tangy flavour, along with crispy toasted panko, parsley, lemon, and garlic.
Pizza with Meat and Cheese
Pizza is already a cheesy delight, but you can add more cheese to it and top it with meat. Try a gluten-free pizza with a crust made of part-skim mozzarella, or go for a classic pizza with multiple types of cheese and your choice of meat toppings.
Meat and Cheese Pies
Meat and cheese pies are a delicious and hearty option for dinner. You can make a traditional beef pot pie and add some cheddar cheese to the filling, or try a ham and cheese pie with a flaky pastry that balances sweet and savoury flavours from the nutty Gruyère cheese sauce, salty ham, and crunchy turbinado sugar.
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Cheese and fruit
When creating cheese and fruit pairings, aim for a balance of flavours and textures. Choose fruits that are fresh or dried, as their sweetness will contrast nicely with the savoury, creamy, or salty notes of the cheese. For example, pair crisp, sweet apples with a sharp cheddar or a creamy Camembert. Alternatively, dried apricots or figs can be paired with a strong, salty cheese like feta or blue cheese for a more intense flavour profile.
Grapes and berries can also be excellent choices to pair with cheese. Their natural sweetness and acidity can cut through the richness of creamy cheeses. Try pairing seedless red or green grapes with a soft, creamy cheese like Brie or a mild blue cheese. Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries also go well with milder cheeses, adding a touch of sweetness and a burst of colour to your cheese platter.
Melons are another great option for a refreshing and flavourful fruit and cheese combination. Cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon have high water content, making them juicy and hydrating. Their subtle sweetness pairs well with salty or tangy cheeses such as feta, goat cheese, or a sharp cheddar.
For a more unique and exotic pairing, try combining fresh or dried mango with a creamy cheese like Brie or Camembert. The sweet and tangy flavour of mango complements the richness of these cheeses. Additionally, stone fruits such as peaches, plums, and cherries can be wonderful companions to softer cheeses like ricotta or mild chevre. Their natural sweetness and slight tanginess create a delightful contrast.
When creating your cheese and fruit platter, consider the balance of flavours, textures, and colours. Vary the types of cheese and fruit to create a diverse and interesting spread. Play around with different combinations to discover your favourite pairings. Remember, the key to a successful cheese and fruit pairing is to find a balance that enhances the flavours of both elements, creating a delightful sensory journey for you and your guests.
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Baked dinners with cheese
Cheese is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be baked into a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for baked dinners with cheese:
Macaroni and Cheese
A classic comfort food, macaroni and cheese can be taken to the next level with the addition of multiple cheeses. For example, a combination of Fontina for gooeyness, cheddar for tang, and Parmesan for sharpness. You can also add a crispy topping of toasted panko, parsley, lemon, and garlic to complement the rich creaminess of the dish.
Cheese and Potato Pie
This hearty dish combines sliced potatoes with a cheesy fondue centre, all encased in crisp puff pastry. Inspired by the apres-ski favourite tartiflette, this pie is a show-stopping dish for a dinner party.
Vegetable Pie with Leeks and Cheese
A rustic and cosy option, this veggie pie is filled with caramelised leeks and cheese. It's a perfect option for a vegetarian dish that is both satisfying and flavourful.
Cheesy Breads
There are several baked bread options that feature cheese. This includes a cheese and spring onion soda bread, which is a great side to serve with soups or salads. Another option is cheesy sweetcorn cornbread, which is a fun option to make with kids. For something more indulgent, you can try making cheese straws with added sesame and poppy seeds, dried onion flakes, and sea salt.
Halloumi Meatballs
For a unique twist on a classic, halloumi cheese can be formed into meatballs and baked in a tomato sauce. This dish is a great vegetarian option that still provides a hearty and protein-rich meal.
Cheesy Baked Vegetables
Cheese can be used to elevate simple baked vegetables. For example, cauliflower florets loaded with mozzarella, sour cream, mayo, and bacon bits, or baked broccoli and rice stirred into a mix of processed cheese and cream of chicken soup.
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Cheese and potatoes
Cheesy potatoes are a delicious and comforting dish, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. This dish combines crispy potatoes with a creamy sauce and plenty of gooey cheese.
There are several variations of cheesy potatoes that you can make, depending on your preference and the time you have available. For a quick and easy option, you can use frozen hash brown potatoes, which have less moisture than raw potatoes, resulting in a more flavourful dish. Simply combine the hash browns with condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Add some shredded chicken or diced ham for a heartier meal. Top with cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.
If you prefer to use fresh potatoes, choose a variety such as Russets or yellow potatoes. Boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender, being careful not to overboil them. Combine the potatoes with a creamy cheese sauce, such as a mornay sauce or a mixture of cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda cheese. Season with garlic, black pepper, or onion powder to enhance the flavour. You can also add bacon pieces, crumbled crackers, or a crunchy topping of cornflakes and butter. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake until melted and bubbly.
For a make-ahead option, assemble the potatoes and cheese sauce up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to three months. When ready to serve, bake it in the oven until hot and bubbly.
Cheesy potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course. They pair well with various proteins, such as chicken or ham, and steamed vegetables like broccoli and mushrooms. This dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, with its combination of crispy potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some dinner recipes that incorporate cheese:
- Macaroni and cheese
- Grilled cheese
- Cheese and pasta casseroles
- Pizza
- Potato pie
- Cheese and meat pies
- Salads with cheese
Meat and cheese is a protein-filled combo. Some cheeses that go well with meat include:
- Cheddar
- Monterey Jack
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Gruyère
- Raclette
Here are some vegetarian recipes that incorporate cheese:
- Vegetable pies with cheese
- Salads with halloumi or paneer
- Cornbread
- Stir-fries with paneer
- Cheese straws
Some side dishes that go well with cheese include:
- Crackers
- Fruit
- Bread
- Soups
